BOXING.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1108, 22 April 1911, Page 12

BOXING.

(Br "Mercurt") ORDINARY BRAWLER'S METIER. The Mere Rusher has no Chance. Ugly indeed is the street brawler when he swoops on the inoffensivo citizen going peaceably home o' nights, and it is therefore refreshing to hear from good authority that the ugly and malevolent "rusher" has his limitations. The well-known Australian physical culturist, Clarence Weber, having stated that scientific boxing, as taught under Quoensberry rules is an artificial and ineffective means of defence, "Saoivy" Baker took him to task, and challenged him to contest for the alta'ound championship of Australasia, finishing with an "all-in" contest. In his challengo Baker makes the following effective defence of boxing:— "Personally 1 am prepared to take it that Mr. Weber made this statement in a spirit of levity, for we all know, from experience, what little chance a novice has of defeating a skilled boxer in an ' impromptu affaii- in the street, or in an arranged bout at a gymnasium. The expert can invariably give away some difference in height, weight, and reach, and yet be master uf the situation. In the first place, a skilled boxer would never allow the rnsh-and-tumble bull-at-a-gate individual to get into holds. By means of a quick side-step, lvead dodge, or back move tho rusher is lost, and has no knowledge of what has taken place until he is met with a battery of smart right crosses, uppercuts, and stabs from tho cool, scientific boxer, or has been 'placed in' a most uncomfortable and undignified heap on the ground. Surely Mr. Weber is aware of tho fact that one of the first things learnt in boxing is to keep a clear, active brain in tight corners, and it goes without saying that the primitive fighter, with his rushing, planless tactics has no chance whatever against the skilful heady man." Ex America, aliquid semper noir. America, having produced George Washington, is evidently out after distinction in the opposite direction. If the remarks attributed by the "San Francisco Bulletin" to Papke and one M'Crea are correct then Ananias of ancient fame is a msro child alongside some of his descendants in the realms of prevarication. According to this individual M'Crea, Papke (in his first fight with Smith) had all tho better of the bout while it lasted. As early as the second round the American had (he New Zealander groggy, and could have finished him. but Papke wanted to give the fans a run for their money, as they do not appreciate a short fight. Further, this imaginative person says that Smith did not conic to for three-quarters of an hour after Papke had knocked him out with that foul blow. Also, from the same source, the startling news comes that Papke's finishing blow was not foul at all, but landed under Smith's heart. When American papers of repute publish such stuff as this, it makes one wonder what the "yellow" journals have to say occasion-, ally. Papke himself is evidently on the same plane as Mr. M'Crea. At the foot of tho article in question there is a letter purporting to be from him, accusing the Australian public in general of all manner, of unsportsmanlike conduct, and inveighing against "Dave" Smith as being "of no class as a filthier." In the London "Mirror of Life" lately there appeared a sketch of "Jimmy" Clabby's career, in which the crack mid-dle-weight is credited with saying: "The Australians are fine sportsmen, and I had a great time there. They were very kind and hospitable there, aiid .all of us that were there will not forget the good time we enjoyed." Which is a refreshing counterblast to Papke's tirade.

Week's Mail from H. D. M'lntosh. By this week's English, mail "Mercu'rv" has received another letter, dated March 10, from Mr. 11. D. M'lntosh, (ogether with a bundle of press cuttings, and a boxing bulletin. Mi'. M'lntosh's letter is as under:—

I have had some considerable difficulty in my Parisian matters, this being principally due to the reluctance oj' "Sain" MacVea to meet Langford. The French papers have hotly espoused my cause, and when Mac Yen shotted a disposition to jump over tho traces, they came oat, and plainly stated that MacVea, having teen Langford fight Lang in London, was not anxious to meet such a tough proposition. However, 1 have had the good luck to settle all matters satisfactorily, and the fight will take place on the 25th instant, at the Cirque clu Paris. The contest between Wells and Flynn, at Olyinpia on Wednesday night, did not draw as well as was expected. 'Wells's poor showing against Moir when he collapsed from sheer exhaustion in tho thud round, and led people to believe that he was not able to stand tho strain of a long contest, and, consequently, they did not take to it as they had to others. Wells, however, proved that his weakness with Moir was only of a temporary character, and those who stayed away are to-day regretting their absence from one of the best, cleanest, and fairest fights ever seen here. On the 22nd instant f propose, giving a twenty rounds contest between Jimmy Clabby and Harry Duncan, as well as another match in which It ay Bronson will be opposed to Arthur Evarden. Both the Americans have been extremely well received here, and I am looking for an enormous gathering on the night of their contests. Accompanying this, under separate cover, I. am sending'a set of press reports which will acquaint you with all matters of interest hero. Also I am enclosing a sporting bulletin showing most of the information that is in my possession.—l am, etc., HUGH D. M'INTOSH.

The Ring Nearly Rushed. Not since Charley Mitchell beat Reddy Gallagher at Cincinnati 23 years ago had an English heavyweight of class triumphed over an American, until recently, when Bombardier Wells gained a well-earned decision over Dan Flynn, of Boston, at Hugh D. Jl'Xntosh's big arena, Olympia, London, and the sports of the old country are beside themselves with joy over the reversal. The fight between Wells' anil Flynn was one of the bast and fairest between heavy-weights ever seen. 'Wells's longer roach and superior science won for him. He boxed throughout like a master, and, all through, Flynn was always dangerous right up to the last minute of tho battle; there was never a round that ho looked to be a winner. Wells had fully recovered from the weakness that had caused his collapse before Gunner Moir in January, and never showed any signs of tiring until tho last few rounds of his "go" with Flynn. He has all the attributes of a promising man, and, with more experience, ho is certain to make things interesting for tho best of them. Flynn fought a remarkably game "go"; he took enough punishment to make a half-dozen quit, but he was always boring his way in looking for the opening to land, his right for a finisher. Ho has made a great hit here, and, though beaten, he has not been disgraced. One of the features of tho "go" was its great cleanness. Kot onco during tho entire twenty rounds did Reforee Corri have to part the men, and very rarely was he compelled to cry "break." The enthusiastic Englishmen gave way to their feelings at tho finish, and only M'lntosh's well-disciplined staff prevented them from rushing the ring to shower their congratulations upon the winner.

Bill Squires Follows the Plough. Those old opponents "Billy" Elliott and "Ted" Green went the whole of a twenty rounds journey at the -Sydney Stadium a fortnight ago, Elliott winning on points, though, from accounts, it would appear that he was lucky to secure the verdict. "Bill" Squires, if ho wasn't exactly tlie champion in the ring which he hoped to be, has won another kind of championship which is of more use to tho community. • Recently, at the New South Wales Royal Agricultural Society's Show, his wheat exhibit was awarded "champion and first prizes."